Japan’s national soccer team increasingly relies on European-based players, with 22 of 26 in the recent World Cup having European experience. Notable figures like Kagawa Shinji opened the door for talent abroad, establishing Japan as a leading exporter of soccer players. The success of the J. League and its youth development efforts has further contributed to this trend, dispelling fears of negative impacts on domestic soccer as the league thrives internationally.
Following the recent World Cup, Japan’s men’s national soccer team manager, Moriyasu Hajime, emphasized a European-based squad, fielding 22 out of 26 players who play or have played in Europe. This approach proved successful as Japan advanced significantly, defeating Germany and Spain, and reaching the round of 16, showcasing the growing importance of European football experience for Japanese players.
Japan’s gradual shift to European talent has been notable. Initially, the national team comprised solely J. League players in 1998. As the years progressed, the number of Europeans players rose significantly, with 16 participating in the 2018 World Cup, making European club affiliation nearly essential for national team selection.
Currently, over 100 Japanese players compete in Europe’s top leagues, including prominent names like Kubo Takefusa and Kamada Daichi. Japan has seen unprecedented growth in sending players to Europe, becoming a key soccer talent exporter, drawing parallels with Brazil and other nations renowned for their soccer exports.
The rise of talented Japanese players in Europe was significantly influenced by Kagawa Shinji, who excelled with Cerezo Osaka and moved to Borussia Dortmund. His subsequent success, including Bundesliga titles, prompted German clubs to scout more Japanese players, thus increasing demand for players from Japan.
Historically, Okudera Yasuhiko paved the way for Japanese players in Europe by signing with FC Cologne in 1977. His successful career in Germany inspired others, but it wasn’t until Nakata Hidetoshi’s move to Italy in 1998 that significant numbers of Japanese players began to establish themselves overseas, breaking the ice for future generations.
As interest in Japanese soccer grew with the J. League’s launch in 1993, the focus on youth development began to pay off, notably with Japan’s commendable performances in youth competitions. Yet, it took time for Japanese players to catch the attention of European scouts, highlighting the importance of developing talent while improving the domestic league’s standards.
Adjusting to life abroad posed challenges for early foreign players from Japan. Language barriers and cultural differences created difficulties. However, as recent stars like Kagawa and Honda gained international success, hopefuls are increasingly prepared to make the move, often improving their language skills in anticipation.
Contrary to fears that a mass exodus of talent would harm the J. League, the league has thrived, with clubs now performing well in Asian competitions, such as the AFC Champions League. This bodes well for the continued export of talent and the overall elevation of Japan’s soccer stature on the global stage.
Original Source: www.nippon.com
